Poon Hill Trek Itinerary: Day-by-Day (3, 4 & 5 Days)
The classic Poon Hill trek is a 4-day loop from Pokhara: Nayapul/Ulleri to Ghorepani, the 3,210 m sunrise, then out via Ghandruk. Here is every day, plus 3- and 5-day options.
The Classic 4-Day Itinerary
The most popular version is a four-day loop starting and ending with a short drive from Pokhara. Days are short in distance but rich in stone steps, so the pace feels comfortable rather than rushed. Maximum altitude is the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 m.
Day 1: Pokhara → Nayapul (1,070 m) → Tikhedhunga / Ulleri (1,540–1,960 m)
A scenic 1.5–2 hour drive west reaches the trailhead at Nayapul; many groups drive on to Hile or Tikhedhunga to shorten the day. The trail follows the Bhurungdi Khola through rice terraces to Tikhedhunga, and strong walkers climb the legendary Ulleri stone staircase (roughly 3,000 steps) to Ulleri for the first big views of Annapurna South. Walking: 3–5 hours.
Day 2: Ulleri → Ghorepani (2,860 m)
A gorgeous, gradual climb through mossy rhododendron and oak forest (brilliant red and pink in March–April) via Banthanti and Nangethanti to Ghorepani, a ridge-top village of blue-roofed teahouses. Arrive for an afternoon coffee and your first close look at Dhaulagiri. Walking: 4–6 hours.
Day 3: Pre-dawn Poon Hill (3,210 m) → Tadapani (2,630 m)
The highlight. Rise around 4:30–5:00 am and climb 45–60 minutes to the Poon Hill viewpoint for the Annapurna sunrise, then descend for breakfast and traverse east through forest over Deurali to Tadapani, with grandstand Fishtail views. Walking: 5–7 hours incl. the sunrise climb.
Day 4: Tadapani → Ghandruk (1,940 m) → Nayapul → Pokhara
Descend through dense forest to Ghandruk, one of the finest Gurung villages in Nepal, then drop to the road head for the drive back to Pokhara. Walking: 4–6 hours.
At-a-Glance Table
| Day | Route | Sleep at | Walking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara → Nayapul → Ulleri | Ulleri (1,960 m) | 3–5 hrs |
| 2 | Ulleri → Ghorepani | Ghorepani (2,860 m) | 4–6 hrs |
| 3 | Poon Hill sunrise → Tadapani | Tadapani (2,630 m) | 5–7 hrs |
| 4 | Tadapani → Ghandruk → Pokhara | Pokhara | 4–6 hrs |
3-Day & 5-Day Variations
Relaxed 5-day version
Split the loop for an easier pace: first night at Tikhedhunga or Ulleri, second at Ghorepani, do the Poon Hill sunrise and overnight near Tadapani, then add a night in Ghandruk to soak up the village before returning to Pokhara. The extra Ghandruk night is the single best way to slow down and enjoy the culture.
Fast 3-day version
Short on time? Drive high to Ulleri or the Ghorepani road approach, overnight in Ghorepani, climb Poon Hill at dawn on day two, then descend via Tadapani toward Ghandruk and out, shortening the final stretch by jeep. It is tighter with a long final day, but it captures the sunrise and highlights. Pair it with our 3 days in Pokhara itinerary.
Extending the Trek
Poon Hill stitches beautifully onto bigger adventures rather than descending on day 4:
- Annapurna Base Camp: from Tadapani or Ghandruk, continue into the Sanctuary instead of heading out, combining the sunrise with the dramatic Annapurna Base Camp trek.
- Mardi Himal: branch toward the quieter, higher Mardi Himal trek for a wilder ridge walk.
- Ghandruk stay: spend an extra night in the Gurung village of Ghandruk for its museum, stone streets and amphitheatre mountain views.
Before you set your dates, check the best time to trek and the packing list for the cold sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is the Poon Hill trek?
The classic Poon Hill (Ghorepani) trek takes 4 days from Pokhara, including short drives to and from the trailhead. A relaxed version runs 5 days by adding a night in Ghandruk, while a fast version can be done in about 3 days by driving higher to start.
What is the day-by-day Poon Hill itinerary?
Day 1: drive to Nayapul and climb to Ulleri (1,960 m). Day 2: climb through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2,860 m). Day 3: pre-dawn Poon Hill sunrise (3,210 m), then trek to Tadapani. Day 4: descend to Ghandruk and drive back to Pokhara.
What time do you climb Poon Hill for sunrise?
You wake around 4:30–5:00 am in Ghorepani and climb 45–60 minutes up the stone path to reach the 3,210 m viewpoint before dawn, when first light turns Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre gold and pink.
Can I do the Poon Hill trek in 3 days?
Yes. A compressed 3-day version drives high to Ulleri or the Ghorepani road approach, overnights in Ghorepani, climbs Poon Hill at dawn on day two, then descends via Tadapani and out with a jeep shortening the final stretch. It is tighter but captures the sunrise.
Can I combine Poon Hill with Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes, and it is a popular extension. From Tadapani or Ghandruk you continue into the Annapurna Base Camp trail rather than descending, combining the famous sunrise with the dramatic Annapurna Sanctuary in one longer trek.
By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated July 1, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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